Back to work

Form "This is a bona fide design classic," says Boyd. "It's fully adjustable, and will move with your body as you work." The desk surface slides between tilted and fully upright, allowing you to work from a variety of seated positions.

Function "It's the adjustability that's key here," says ergonomist Thomas Stewart. "We sit either upright or at a forward angle for 75% of the time, so being able to switch to a reclined position gives your vertebrae a chance to relax. Plus, by shifting positions as you work, you'll provide the regular movements your body needs to keep functioning for longer."

The big figure 18-30 inches: The ideal distance between your pupils and a computer monitor, to maintain visual health

Give yourself a leg up

Form "This beautiful design has been much sought after since it first appeared in 1956, and appears in countless TV shows and Hollywood films," says Boyd. It'll hold its value incredibly well, too.

Function The matching stool is more important than you'd expect. "When putting your feet up, you should always do it at the same level as your seat," says Margo. "Footstools at the wrong level can exacerbate hamstring injuries and back problems, by straining ligaments into unnatural positions. Pairing these two items negates that effect." Slouching has never been as healthy.

The big figure 15 degrees: The tilt on the Eames Lounger: the optimum angle for successfully transferring weight from your lower back onto the chair

Breath of fresh air

Form "A healthy home needs clean air," says Boyd. "Dust mites, viruses and toxins from furniture will all creep in unless you tackle them first." This stark white box won't overpower your room: at just 58cm tall, it's tiny – and only produces 34db of noise. That's about the same as the fan on your computer.

Function This sprays out an invisible, odourless shower of charged ions, destroying at least 28 known viruses, fungi and bacteria. "When you're tired at the end of the day, you produce less T-cells to fight infection, so extra protection is an excellent thing," says Margo. An additional benefit is that the ions neutralise odours as well as killing microbes. If you leave your dirty gym kit out regularly, this is a win-win situation.

The big figure 28: The number of airborne viruses in the average room neutralised by ion technology

Lap dance

Form Banish that notebook from your lap and give it a proper home. "We all use laptops, but frequently do so in a way that is detrimental to our health," says Boyd. "IKEA design really good, ergonomic products that don't break the bank." This looks stylish as a side table but will swing into use fast.

Function "This table will help you keep your screen at arm's length to shrink your risk of RSI," says Margo. You'll also sidestep spermageddon  a 2004 study published in Human Reproduction found that prolonged laptop use could reduce your active sperm count by 40%. Get. A. Table.

Turn on the spinal tap

Form When it comes to flopping out in front of your favourite film, the current trend for low-backed sofas should be X-rated, says Boyd. "This comes with optional headrests to give you proper support as you sit, and the build quality  including Italian leather  means it'll last years longer than cheaper imitations." Yes, just like Christopher Guest films.

Function A good sofa should support your entire body, allowing your feet to touch the floor as you sit back, says Stewart. "Cushioning should touch every part of you: even when you're relaxing you should be aiming to keep your spine aligned." Superior support means a stronger back, aiding your digestion as you sit  although splattering curry on this design gem is likely to provoke cardiac arrest.

The big figure 90 degrees: The perfect angle between your thighs and calves to relieve back strain as you sit

Watch this

Form Clutter adds stress to your life  but this removes both. "This is a custom-fitted unit," says Boyd. "You simply consult with Huelsta's designers to get the best arrangement for your lifestyle. Plus, it'll immediately add value to your home." As long as you don't fill it with Top Gear DVDs and 'rare' Kinder toys, that is.

Function This system means watching your TV at the perfect angle: 35˚ below horizontal. "Your TV should always be at this level, straight ahead of your viewing position, never tucked to the side, because that's what aggravates neck strain," says Margo.

See clearly now

Form Why go for a standard table lamp when you can have one that will literally improve your outlook? "This range by Finnish designer Ville Kokkonen is all about producing clean, direct light from a beautifully simple white box," says Charlotte Boyd, style editor of House Beautiful. The result is a pure light source that's ideal for lifting spirits  and kudos.

Fight cancer with the flick of a switch

Form "BTC lights are elegant and designed to fit almost anywhere," says Boyd. "Because they're slimline, they add light subtly to your key zones for working, reading, or eating."

Function These models come with refracting shades, to diffuse light more efficiently and save you from eye strain. Plus, being able to isolate lights and create a dimmer room in the evenings is great for your sleep quality when you finally hit the sack. "Lowering your light exposure as you approach bed time helps your body release the all-important sleep chemical melatonin," says Margo. "This is proven to reduce your risk of cancer later in life too." Just don't trip over the power cables as you stumble to bed.

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